The weather here has been perfect lately. The past week was sunny and in the mid-60s, and now the rain has finally started back up again, which has been necessary and much needed. It’s been nice staying in and relaxing, focusing on taking care of myself and nurturing my spirit. The small amount of baking I have done includes the usual vegan cupcakes made with Newman’s “O”reos for the day of Obama’s Inauguration (mint and ginger ones), a chocolate peanut butter cake, and chocolate banana peanut butter chip bread pudding (Veganomicon). Signing up for Ayurvedic and collage classes, purchasing books on Amazon, discovering new music, continuing my yoga practice, listening to This American Life, stitching together some owl ornaments, reading about birds. The past week has been nice, especially due to the fact that it seems our Nation’s hope has been restored. I don’t think I’ve been this hopeful and optimistic for quite some time.

Here are some inspiring and other novel things that I’d like to share:

“Open Field”, Taken By Trees. My new favorite with former vocalist of The Concretes that sings about trees, love, and loss and everything that I can relate to in my life lately.

I discovered this book through the CPBG and thought I’d give it shot. Not only is chocolate and peanut butter my favorite combination ever, but figuring that maybe it could relate to life was even more intriguing. When I received the book in the mail the other day, I was kind of in a down, crabby mood and it just so happened I turned to the appropriate chapter in the book that was uplifting and encouraging, reminding me that it’s better to just accept the situation than fight it and dwell in anger. There’s something to offer for the body and the soul–chocolate, peanut butter, pumpkin (!!!), and other various baking recipes are included at the end of each simple and easy to understand chapter. I love everything about it!

Printing By Hand by Lena Corwin is something I’ve had my eye on for quite some time now. Every time I’d go to the craft store I’d flip through it for a little peek, discovering something new and almost drooling on every page. It’s so awesome–the furniture, fabric, and design aesthetic are so incredibly pleasing and beautiful. The pattern stencils are even included! It makes me so anxious to want to have my own apartment or house where I can paint a forest of trees all over the walls and put all of the projects to work! Someday.

A Yoga Journal article about “Change”. Change has been a big theme in my life lately. Individually, spiritually, mentally, physically, globally. Changing for the better, and I’m liking it.

Ok, I guess that’s all for now. I will add more later, I’m sure, once I think of other things.